Coal news and updates

Drought likely to hit cement demand in key markets

India may experience a tapering off in cement demand from May-end in key markets comprising Maharashtra, Telegana and Seemandhra, because of the ongoing drought conditions prevailing in these regions, as per an industry report.

However, the report further says there could be a hike in cement prices by Rs 20-25 per bag in markets like Pune and Telengana in the current quarter, which could translate into better realisations in the next quarter.

Though demand from the three above-mentioned regions are still strong at present, it could taper off from the “fag end of May”, the report said, adding that there could be difficulties for some cement makers like Orient Cement in despatching a higher quantum of cement from their newly operational unit in Karnataka, owing to sluggish demand.

“Penetration into newer markets would also mean lower pricing power,” the report added.